Comments on: How To Get More Attention From Your Doctor

By: gina pogol

gina pogol — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:48:07 +0000

I was referred to my endocrinologist (for a pheochromocytoma) by my cardiologist, who I like and respect. But I’m having problems with the new doc. When the tumor didn’t show up on a CT scan I was concerned because I read in several studies that the chances of it being malignant increase if it isn’t on the adrenals. I also expressed concern that according to the drug company’s own web site Toprol (the drug I was prescribed to control BP surges) is contraindicated for pheochromocytoma patients. And finally, everthng I read said that I should have been put on alpha blockers prior to being prescribed beta blockers. I’m having a very hard time with the BP, getting wild swings (as high as 178/123 and as low as 71/50)despite meds. She didn’t address my concerns but stated irritably that the internet “just confuses” patients. I’m not stupid and there appeared to be a general consensus in what I was reading. I’ve had more scans and tests done and she won’t call with the results. I’ve called several times and always get put into voice mail and no one calls back. At this point I don’t have confidence in her but it’s a rare cancer, my town is small and if she’s the only one who can deal with it I don’t want to alienate her. What can I do?

By: emmy

emmy — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 20:14:28 +0000

Well and good, and I don’t disagree with you. But how do you go about addressing hard situations. Such as “Your office keeps cancelling my appointments, even when there is a problem.” or “I only get a few minutes to explain some complicated issues with you. If your staff keeps coming in and interrupting I’m not getting your attention long enough for you to hear me, and how can I know that you are thinking about me and not what they just asked?” These aren’t easy, happy, “Hi, I’m fine. How are you?” issues. Also, there just are times when you have to go in and say “I feel bad and my whatever is painful or I’ve been throwing up all night, etc…Dr. visits really aren’t for paling around with friends.

By: Kim

Kim — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 16:25:55 +0000

You reminded me of a visit where my doctor came in and said, “How are things going?” and I said “Fine, I’m feeling great!”. He stopped and looked at me and said, “You’re the first person who has said that today!”. It was true! It was a follow up appointment, and things were going well! LOL! I think I made his day.